US College Ranking Systems: A guide for international students

The QS World University Rankings evaluate universities using a slightly different methodology:

• Academic Reputation (40%) – Survey-based measure of institutional prestige.

• Employer Reputation (10%) – Based on employer surveys assessing graduate employability.

• Faculty/Student Ratio (20%) – Indicator of teaching capacity.

• Citations per Faculty (20%) – Research impact measure.

• International Faculty Ratio (5%) – Diversity of teaching staff.

• International Student Ratio (5%) – Diversity of student body.

QS places more weight on employment outcomes and the international diversity of institutions. However, it is important to consider that employer reputation is determined through subjective surveys, which may not be the most reliable predictor of post-graduation success. While QS is useful for gauging a university’s global prestige and research influence, prospective students should also assess aspects such as student satisfaction and campus life.

Times Higher Education (THE) is renowned for its annual World University Rankings. These rankings cover more than 1,500 universities across 93 countries and territories. THE bases its rankings on thirteen performance indicators grouped into five key areas:

• Teaching (30%) – Learning environment, faculty-to-student ratio, and student engagement.

• Research (30%) – Reputation of research, volume, income, and influence.

• Citations (30%) – Research influence and impact based on citations.

• International Outlook (7.5%) – International student and faculty ratio, global collaborations.

• Industry Income (2.5%) – University’s ability to attract funding from industry for innovation.

While THE rankings are highly regarded and popular, especially among international audiences, it’s critical to understand the weightage they give to different aspects. For instance, the heavy emphasis on research, citations, and industry income reflects the performance of graduate students and faculty, rather than undergraduate programs. This means that a university with a strong research background and a focus on graduate programs might rank higher than a smaller institution, which may have an exceptional undergraduate program but less emphasis on research. Understanding this distinction is vital, especially for prospective undergraduate students who are considering universities based on their rank.

Moreover, THE rankings tend to favor universities with a strong international outlook. If you are an international student looking for a culturally diverse environment, this may be an aspect that interests you. However, it’s essential to consider this in conjunction with other factors that are important for your academic and personal development.

Beyond the global rankings, it's crucial to consider factors that directly impact your education and future prospects:

Student satisfaction: The Princeton Review publishes a guidebook that provides survey data on student satisfaction at various US universities. It’s important to consider where students are happy and satisfied, as this can contribute to academic success.

Graduate school attendance/ acceptance rate: If you're planning on pursuing graduate studies, look into which undergraduate institutions have strong track records in preparing students for admission to graduate programs. This information is usually available on university websites.

Post-graduation employment: Investigate how quickly graduates from different institutions find employment in their field. Universities often provide this data on their websites.

Personal fit: No ranking can measure how well you will personally thrive at a particular institution. Consider the campus culture, environment, and support services available for international students.

At A-List Education, we believe that choosing the right university involves a multi-faceted approach. While rankings provide an overview, they don't always capture the nuances that might be critical for your individual success. Our team of experts is committed to helping you navigate the complexities of the US higher education landscape, ensuring that you find an institution where you will thrive and achieve your academic and personal goals.

Don't let rankings alone dictate your future. Let A-List Education give you personalised support and guidance tailored to your unique aspirations and needs - schedule your free Discovery Session with us today.

Different ranking systems serve different purposes, so choosing the right one depends on your priorities:

• If you value academic reputation and institutional prestige: U.S. News & QS Rankings

• If you want to evaluate student experience and engagement: THE Rankings

• If you are an international student looking for globally recognized institutions: QS & THE Rankings

While rankings can be useful, they should not be the sole factor in your decision-making process. Consider additional aspects such as student support services, campus culture, location, and financial aid options.